According to Lalu, the Indian Railways is passing through its best phase in terms of development, and he is likely to cut AC 2-tier and AC 3-tier fares. Bihar can expect a bonanza with 10 new rail routes. Among other important announcements expected are an outlay of Rs 4,510 crore (Rs 45.10 billion) for the second phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project.

During the 2007-08 Railway Budget, he did not hike passenger fares and sought to get revenue from other sources without imposing a burden on the passengers.

Last year, he increased the profit level to Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion). He also introduced the 'Garib Raths' -- fully air-conditioned trains- at low fares for the common people.

On the success of Indian Railways, Lalu says, "My mother always told me not to handle a buffalo by its tail, but always catch it by its horns. And I have used that lesson in everything in my life, including the Railways.”

The success story of the Railways saw him turn into a management guru!

Image: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad holds up the briefcase containing the 2007-08 Railways Budget papers as he arrived at Parliament.

Photograph: Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images